DIY Wool Pom Pom Wreath & Garland: Create High-End Decor for Pennies (Anthropologie Inspired!)

Embark on a delightful DIY journey to craft your very own wool pom-pom wreath and garland – a project that promises not only immense satisfaction but also results in stunning, reusable decor. This charming duo effortlessly transitions from festive holiday cheer into elegant January winter aesthetics, proving its versatility year after year. The garland, especially, is a quick win, allowing you to sprinkle its cozy charm throughout your home with minimal effort!

When I first showcased our elegant silver, white & burlap Christmas mantel, I hinted at a secret: the beautiful wool pom-pom wreath and garland adorning it were handmade! I promised to share the full tutorial so you could replicate these coveted Anthropologie-inspired pieces for a mere fraction of the retail price. While I did mention that creating a substantial number of pom-poms takes a bit of time, what I didn’t fully convey was just how genuinely *fun* the process is! There’s something inherently joyful about crafting these fluffy spheres. My daughter and I transformed what could have been a chore into a delightful evening, simply by settling in to watch a holiday movie while our hands busily cranked out pom-poms. The sheer cuteness of the finished product certainly added to our enthusiasm.

Today, I’m thrilled to provide you with comprehensive, step-by-step instructions not only for constructing the wreath and garland (you can view the original Anthropologie inspiration pieces here), but also for building your own incredibly effective, practically free, DIY pom-pom maker. Trust me, this homemade tool is far superior to trying to use a fork – it allows for rapid, consistent production of pom-poms in various sizes. Once you master this technique, you’ll be able to create custom pom-poms in any color, material, and size imaginable, perfect for projects like these whimsical pom-pom ‘flowers.’ This project is ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of handmade elegance to their holiday or winter decor without breaking the bank.

How to Craft a Gorgeous Wool Pom Pom Wreath & Garland

Let’s talk about smart savings. My project began with two .99 cent skeins of creamy wool yarn found at a thrift store, alongside a wreath form for just .49 cents. A little quick math reveals the incredible affordability: my initial thrift store investment was a mere $2.49. Adding a few more cents for some cotton yarn to wrap the wreath form brings the grand total to comfortably under $3.00. Now, consider the high-end store version of similar items: the wreath and garland would typically retail for a staggering total of $166.00 (and that’s before shipping!). The price difference is truly astounding, isn’t it?

If you’re eager to save a significant amount of money and infuse your home with beautiful, personalized decor, all it truly takes (beyond those few initial dollars for supplies) is a bit of time dedicated to making a lot of pom-poms. You’ll need a good batch for the wreath, and then another for the garland. This project is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and enjoy the creative process. It might take a few hours, so I recommend selecting a movie (or perhaps two!) you’ve been wanting to watch. Even better, enlist a friend or a family member, as I did with my daughter, to help out. Before you know it, you’ll be admiring your very own high-end-looking wool pom-pom wreath and garland, crafted with love and for mere pennies. This DIY approach not only saves you money but also allows for complete customization to perfectly match your home’s aesthetic.

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Essential Supplies Needed for Your Pom Pom Masterpiece:

Gathering the right materials is the first step to ensuring your DIY wool pom-pom wreath and garland turn out beautifully. Here’s a detailed list:

• Wreath Form: I opted for a 9-inch form, which ultimately created a lovely 12-inch finished wreath. For comparison, the Anthropologie version is often around 22 inches, which would require a significantly larger number of pom-poms. When hunting at thrift stores or purchasing new, prioritize rounded styrofoam or straw wreaths. The bent-wood type I used is also excellent. Avoid grapevines, metal frames, or flat craft wreaths, as these are harder to cover completely and achieve the desired plush, rounded look.
• Cream or White Wool Yarn: To truly capture the elegant, luxurious feel of the Anthropologie inspiration, wool yarn is highly recommended. It provides a beautiful texture and fullness that’s hard to replicate. While acrylic yarn can be used for a more budget-friendly option or if you desire brighter colors, wool offers that classic, cozy aesthetic.
• Yarn Needle: Also known as a tapestry needle or darning needle, this is essential for threading yarn and attaching your pom-poms. Look for one with a large eye to accommodate thicker yarn easily.
• Small, Sharp Scissors: Precision is key when trimming pom-poms to achieve that perfect spherical shape. Smaller, sharper scissors allow for greater control and cleaner cuts, which makes a big difference in the final look.
• Burlap Ribbon: For an effortlessly rustic and charming look, burlap ribbon is an excellent choice for hanging your wreath. Alternatively, any other ribbon that complements your decor will work, or you can opt for a hidden loop if you prefer a seamless aesthetic.
• Pom Pom Maker: You have a couple of options here. You can purchase a set that makes three different sizes, like this convenient pom-pom maker set. However, for a truly custom and cost-effective approach, I highly recommend making your own DIY high-tech pom-pom maker, as detailed below. It’s incredibly efficient!

Yes, I’m absolutely serious about this high-tech marvel! You too can construct one of these (and I’m sure you’re already eager to try). It’s remarkably simple: just hammer six long, headless nails into a scrap piece of wood approximately 8 inches long. Position two nails 3 inches apart at one end for your largest pom-poms. Then, place the next two nails 2 inches apart, hammered around the middle of the board, for medium-sized pom-poms. Finally, hammer the last two nails 1 inch apart at the other end for your smallest pom-poms. This ingenious setup allows you to consistently create three distinct sizes with ease.

Whew. That was quite the heavy lifting! Perhaps a coffee break is in order after that intense construction. But seriously, this DIY tool is a game-changer for uniform pom-pom creation.

If, against all odds, you’re not inspired to DIY your own (though I truly believe you’ll find it rewarding), you can still achieve great results. Thick cardboard cut into 1, 2, and 3-inch pieces can be used as a wrapping guide if you don’t have scrap wood and nails readily available. The primary reason I champion the wood-and-nail version is its superior consistency; the fixed length of the nails ensures your pom-poms are more uniformly sized. Cardboard, unfortunately, tends to bend and lose its shape after just a few uses, making consistent sizing a challenge over time.

Mastering the Art of Making Fluffy Pom Poms

Even if you made pom-poms as a child (a craft that perpetually cycles in and out of popularity!), the process remains wonderfully simple and meditative. Here’s how to create those perfect fluffy spheres:

1. Wrap Yarn Around Two Nails: Select the desired nail spacing on your DIY pom-pom maker. Begin wrapping your chosen yarn around the two nails, moving back and forth. The more yarn you wrap, the denser and fluffier your final pom-pom will be. Experiment a little with your first few to find the thickness you prefer, then try to eyeball that same amount for each subsequent pom-pom. It doesn’t need to be perfectly exact, as you’ll trim them later, so don’t stress over minor inconsistencies. Once satisfied, cut the yarn from the skein.
2. Secure the Center Tie: Cut a separate piece of yarn, about 5-6 inches long. Carefully push this piece of yarn *between* the wooden board and the wrapped yarn bundle at the very center. Bring the ends of this new piece of yarn together and tie them as tightly as you possibly can, creating a secure double knot. This tight tie is crucial for keeping your pom-pom from unraveling and giving it a compact core.
3. Release and Cut the Loops: Gently slip the entire wrapped yarn bundle off the headless nails. The headless design of our DIY maker makes this step incredibly easy. Now, using your small, sharp scissors, carefully cut all the looped ends of the yarn. You’ll see the loops transform into individual strands, beginning to form the familiar fluffy texture of a pom-pom.
4. Initial Shaping – Expect Imperfection: At this stage, your pom-pom will be essentially formed but likely a bit lopsided or oblong, especially the smaller ones. Don’t worry, this is completely normal! The initial cutting often leaves them looking a little shaggy and uneven.
5. Trim for the Perfect Sphere: This is where the magic happens and your pom-pom truly takes shape. With your sharp scissors, meticulously trim the pom-pom to create a perfectly rounded, dense ball. The 1-inch pom-poms will generally require more trimming than the larger sizes to achieve a beautiful, uniform spherical shape. Take your time with this step, rotating the pom-pom and snipping away stray strands until you’re satisfied with its flawless appearance.

And there you have it – your first perfect pom-pom! Now, simply repeat this process… many, many times. And then make some more, because you’ll quickly realize how many you need to achieve that lush, full look for your wreath and garland. Enjoy the satisfying rhythm of creating these charming wool balls!

Assembling Your Stunning Wool Pom Pom Wreath

Inspired by the depth and texture of the Anthropologie wreath, I decided to use a blend of different-sized pom-poms to create a visually rich and dimensional design. This involved strategically placing 3-inch poms along the outer edge of the wreath form, 2-inch poms across the top center, and the smallest 1-inch poms on the inside edge. This layering technique helps to completely obscure the wreath form and creates a beautiful, full effect, as you might have already inferred from the multi-size pom-pom maker.

1. Prepare the Wreath Form: Begin by wrapping your wreath form with yarn. You can use the same wool yarn you used for your pom-poms if you have enough, or a coordinating color. I chose a cream-colored cotton yarn I had on hand to save my precious wool yarn for the pom-poms themselves. For a bent-wood type form, simply tie the beginning and end of the wrapping yarn securely. If you are using a straw or styrofoam form, a dab of hot glue will effectively secure the yarn ends. This wrapping step ensures the wreath form is completely covered and provides a neat base.
2. Attach the Outer Layer of Pom Poms: Start with your largest 3-inch pom-poms and begin attaching them to the outermost edge of the wreath form. I preferred using a yarn needle and the long tails left on the pom-poms after making them to tie them securely to the wrapped form. This method offers the flexibility to adjust the placement and density of the pom-poms as you go. Once tied, clip the excess tails. Hot glue is another option for attachment if you prefer a more permanent and immediate hold, though it reduces the ability to reposition later.
3. Complete the Pom Pom Arrangement: After the outer layer is complete, move on to attaching the 2-inch pom-poms to the top center of the wreath. Finally, fill in the innermost row with your smallest 1-inch pom-poms. Tying the pom-poms allowed me to easily adjust how closely they were packed together, ensuring the entire wreath form was beautifully and completely covered with lush wool. This layering creates a wonderfully full and textured appearance.

Important Note: Once all your pom-poms are attached, take a step back and assess your wreath. You may want to do a final trim to further refine the shapes of your pom-poms into more perfect spheres, depending on the desired aesthetic. I distinctly remember when I had finished the outside and part of the center rows, my daughter thoughtfully remarked that it resembled a shag rug. Definitely *not* the sophisticated look I was aiming for! A bit of careful trimming to better define the individual pom-pom shapes made all the difference, and I instantly fell in love with it all over again. Don’t underestimate the power of a good trim!

Creating a Charming Wool Pom Pom Garland

For my garland, I decided to use exclusively small, 1-inch pom-poms to create a delicate and uniform look. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! Alternating all three sizes, or even grouping them in clusters, would also create a fun, dynamic aesthetic for your decor. I tailored the length of my garland to perfectly fit my mantel, resulting in a 6-foot length – conveniently the exact size of the Anthropologie version. The beauty of DIY, of course, is the freedom to customize your garland to any desired length, whether it’s for a mantel, a doorway, a bookshelf, or even a Christmas tree.

1. Prepare Your Garland String: First, cut a piece of strong yarn to your desired finished garland length, adding an extra inch or two on each end for securely knotting. Thread a yarn needle (or any needle with a sufficiently large eye) with this main garland yarn. Take your first pom-pom (one that still has its original tying tails) and sew the needle directly through its middle. Tie the end of your long garland yarn securely to one of the pom-pom’s tails, as close to the pom-pom as possible. Double-knot it for extra security, then clip any excess tails neatly.
2. String the Pom Poms: Continue using your threaded needle to sew through the middle of all your other pom-poms. As you string them, carefully slide them along the yarn, spacing them evenly. For reference, my 6-foot garland features 14 pom-poms, providing a lovely, full appearance. Adjust the spacing to your preference – closer for a denser garland, further apart for a lighter look.
3. Secure the Final Pom Pom: Once all your pom-poms are strung and spaced, sew through the last pom-pom. Just as you did with the first one, tie off the main garland yarn to one of the pom-pom’s tails, securing it with a strong knot. Clip any remaining loose ends to complete your beautiful wool pom-pom garland.

I truly adore the unique charm and cozy texture that this handmade wool pom-pom wreath and garland bring to our home decor. It’s a delightful departure from more traditional holiday greenery and ornaments, offering a fresh, whimsical, yet sophisticated aesthetic. Did you also admire the Anthropologie wreath and garland? I’m curious to know your thoughts! Do you feel inspired to create these beautiful, budget-friendly pieces for your own home? I highly encourage you to give this project a try; the result is a truly special decoration that you’ll be proud to display and enjoy for years to come.

Timeless Appeal: A Look Back and Forward

This tutorial, originally published in December of 2012, has since remained one of my absolute favorite holiday crafts. The wool pom-pom wreath, in particular, holds a special place in my heart, and I have proudly displayed it every single year since its creation. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its charming aesthetic but also in its remarkable versatility and durability. To illustrate just how adaptable this piece is – and how it continues to look as good years later as it did on its very first debut – here’s a glimpse into how it has graced our Christmas decor through the seasons:

2013: Still a focal point on the mantel, beautifully complementing a fresh color scheme of green and white, proving its adaptability beyond traditional red and silver. Its neutral tones allowed it to blend seamlessly while adding texture.

2014: The wreath found a new home, gracing the door of a rustic cabinet in our entryway, adding a welcoming touch to a different part of the house. Its soft texture provided a lovely contrast against the natural wood tones.

2015: Elevating its role, the wreath held a place of honor, beautifully framing our festive Christmas chalkboard, demonstrating its ability to enhance various decorative vignettes and become a cherished element of personalized displays.

Its consistent quality and timeless design mean it stores easily and emerges looking pristine year after year. This wool pom-pom wreath and garland truly embody the spirit of lasting, meaningful handmade decor that enriches your home’s ambiance throughout the holiday season and into the quiet charm of winter.

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